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ISSUES CONCERNING THE NEW ABSTRACTION SITES AT BUCKLAND, PRIMROSE AND ELMS VALE
Malcolm A. Sutherland
A report completed on 23 July 2001 at the end of a student internship within Folkestone & Dover Water Services Ltd (later absorbed into Veolia Water) Revised in May 2013
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES 1: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSED PUMPING STATIONS 2: ESTIMATING THE CONSTRUCTION COSTS 3: OPERATIONAL COSTS OF THE NEW STATIONS 4: OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE COSTS OF TREATMENT FACILITIES 5: ISSUES CONCERNING THE USL OF PRIMROSE, ELMS VALE AND BUCKLAND 6: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES AND CONSULTATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Pipe-laying construction costs Appendix 2: Water quality analysis at Primrose Appendix 3: Lower Standen electrical costs Appendix 4: Predicted costs of the groundwater pumping stations
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Executive Summary
Many of the findings in this report are presumptuous. The aim was to estimate the operational and maintenance costs, and to suggest possible options for how the water from Primrose, Elms Vale and Buckland may be distributed. Since this report was prepared prior to a decision being made for cut-backs in abstraction around the upper Dour (and before licenses are granted to these new sources, and before the pumping tests commence), the exact costs and water distribution data are not as yet available. At present, it is anticipated that the licenses granted to Primrose, Elms Vale and Buckland Paper Mill bore hole sites will be set at 4 Ml/day, 3Ml/day and 5 Ml/day, respectively. It is anticipated that the Buckland pumping station can produce a maximum output of 9 Mi/day. The operational costs of the stations are predicted to range, from just under 1 pence per cubic metre extracted, to perhaps 4 pence per cubic metre. These are average costs based throughout the year, depending on the power input to the station. Elms Vale will probably cost around 3 pence per cubic metre. Primrose may email similar costs, while Buckland should hopefully cost little more than 2 pence, if the water there-from is transported, either to Dover Intermediate reservoir, or to the Spine Main. The treatment and station maintenance costs are more difficult to predict. There are no definite trends, against which forecast costs correlate well. Presumably, the treatment costs will amount to a few thousand pounds () each year. Pump and station maintenance costs will range from 4000 to 6000 per annum, and should hopefully not exceed this margin as these are new groundwater pumping stations. The water quality of Primrose and Buckland will not require more treatment facilities than the UV and chlorinating methods: no data has yet been provided for Elms Vale though, and its proximity to farmland may pose questions on biological or pesticidal treatment. On average, UV treatment entails annual costs of around 670, although components are replaced either each year, or every year. Chlorinating treatment maintenance will vary, depending on the water output established. Pipeline construction costs for connecting Buckland to Downsgate will probably be around 520,000; for a pipeline to Dover Intermediate reservoir, the costs will be similar. To connect with the Spine Main, the costs are lower (around 400,000). Since no pumping regime could be accurately proposed with the assistance of network modelling, the best option for where the water should be pumped is mainly a concern of proposed reduced abstraction elsewhere, as recommended by the Environment Agency. Possible cut-backs in abstraction around the upper Dour catchment area may amount to between 4 and 5 Ml/day, which would counteract the intended gain of 5 Ml/day as required for overcoming any possible supply/demand deficits in the next few years. However, as many stations do not abstract at their full capacity, and some cannot, there are some cases where increased abstraction can be achieved elsewhere in the FDWS service
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region. Stations such as Seabrook, Saltwood, Holestone and Bluehouse are mainly dormant, and if the EA licensing restrictions throughout the River Dour catchment area pose concerns, such stations should be reviewed. It is possible to re-vitalise the Holmestones pumping stations full capacity by connecting it to a new pipeline, between Buckland and the Spine Main. No precise pumping regime proposals implies that the optimum arrangement will still need to be addressed, with the use of water network computer modelling to take all factors of the pipeline network into account.
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Throughout August, September and October this year, the Folkestone and Dover Water Services company will conduct three separate pumping tests at 3 proposed new borehole sources, which are listed as follows:
Location Elms Vale Proposed daily abstraction 5 Ml per day (depending on the discharge licence Possibly Ml per day 5 Ml per day (up to 6 ml once in full operation Grid reference TR 3040 4115
The outcome from these three tests will be to assess both the capacity of these sources, and their influence on the groundwater distribution beneath the River Dour catchment area. The Environment Agency expressed concern on the impact which additional abstraction would inflict on the River Dour, suggesting that licenses for sources around the upper Dour catchment area would need to be restricted in order to sustain overland flow of groundwater, which the River Dour characterises. A second issue brought about by initiating abstraction from these new sources, is where the new supply water should be distributed; an optimum arrangement for this is determined by financial costs of operation and construction, and by public demand. This report addresses both of these issues by drawing in 3 primary considerations: (1) (2) the possible distribution arrangements, with their associated costs and benefits; deciding on the best option for reducing abstraction in the upper Dour area, both in the best interests of public demand, and the preservation of the River Dour; and, a suppositional view of the additional operational costs brought about by utilising these new resources.
(3)
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Physical Data The bore hole itself has dimensions of 50 metres depth, and of 600mm diameter. This penetrates into the Middle Chalk, with alluvial deposits towards the surface (to 6 metres depth). The chalk itself comprises the boundary between the Upper and Middle Chalk, with the impermeable Gault Clay in between. However, with the natural groundwater level at 14.5m, this is an unconfined aquifer, and fissure within the rock enhance water entry. The
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
surface of the bore hole is situated at around 17 metres above Ordinance Datum. Figure 1.1 shows the drawdown observed during pumping tests carried out in January (2001). This only covers abstraction up to 5 Ml/day, although it is known that at a 9 Ml/day extraction rate, the drawdown amounts to over 20 metres.
Figure 1.1: results of the Buckland Paper Mill step tests in January 2001
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Chemical Data Three sets of data from the January pumping tests were analysed. Data from the bore hole used in the same vicinity by FDWS in accordance with Wiggans Teape (four sets) were also selected as a comparison. Both sources are summarised in Tables 1.1 and 1.2 below and over-page, with the highest average value given, in order to isolate any possible contamination. Both sets of data (from two different decades) show that the groundwater at Buckland maintains an excellent standard of cleanliness, and the influx of any hazardous chemicals is not an issue, except for the poly-aromatic hydrocarbon levels recorded during the Buckland tests in January. The Buckland site is located next to 2 petrol stations, and a gas-oil storage tank, but these do not pose any threat to the groundwater quality under normal circumstances.
Table 1.1: results based on the Mid-Kent Water Company, Wiggans Teape well 2 data, 1989 (units for alkalinity, hardness total, chloride, nitrate, sulphate total, calcium total, Mg total, sodium, potassium, nitrite and ammonium in mg/l; units for Fe, manganese in g/l; conductivity in S/cm)
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Table 1.2: Buckland Paper Mill pumping test: GU Partnership Central Laboratory analysis, January 2001
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
DOVER INTERMEDIATE Route 2: Buckland Avenue, Barton Road, Connaught Road SPINE MAIN Route 3: Bunker's Hill road, Beufoy Road, to the roundabout meeting Coombe road, south across Whinless Down to Elms Vale Road Route 4: across the bridge to Grabble Avenue, Hillsode road, through fields towards Beufoy Rd, same course as Route 3 thereafter
SP1NE MAIN
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Figure 2.1: water pipe mains laying costs (shading in vertical order as shown on right)
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
The pipe construction costs need only apply to directing water from Buckland and into the network (Primrose already exists, and Elms Vale Laundry bore hole site is situated adjacent to the Spine Main). In terms of optimising the overall costs, four routes have been chosen:
Route 1 2 3 4 Connection To Downsgate To Dover Intermediate To Spine Main To Spine Main Predicted cost () 525,000 470,100 415,300 402,600
An added advantage of connecting Buckland to the Spine Main is the opportunity of connecting Holmestone to the Spine Main. Holmestone pumping station has suffered the ongoing setback of not being used to full capacity due to the narrow pipelines connecting it to the 12" pipeline linking Primrose to Downsgate. Instead of its licensed 3.2 Ml/day output, Holmestone rarely supplies more than 1 Ml per day, when it is actually operating. Pipe bursts have often resulted from the Holmestone input, and an alternative system should be considered. Route 4 includes the cost of joining a new link from Holmestone station onto the Buckland pipe. It turns out that, of all four possible routes, this still proves to save the most money.
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
Two minor physical components are included m the abstraction energy calculation, as this in nature comprises the potential energy, plus Kinetic Energy and Flow Energy. Equations for the latter two forms of energy (in that order) are as follows:
Normally, the pipe diameter within the bore holes ranges between 8 and 10 (or 20.32cm and 25.40cm). The calculations will be based on the assumption that the diameter is an average of these figures. Fourthly, the Friction Energy was included. This does not affect the overall energy significantly, but it is relevant in terms of the pipeline pressure capacity. For example, it would be unwise to deliver the 9 Ml/day equivalent of the Buckland output, to Downsgate reservoir, by connecting Buckland with the mains between Downsgate and Primrose station. The friction pressure is applied in the same manner as the elevation metres head for the flow energy equation.
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
With the total energy value now calculated, it is multiplied by a contingency of +10%, then convened from joules to kilowatts:
It is said that Caprari submersible pumps are to be installed at Elms Vale and Buckland. For these 2 sources, the motor efficiency is likely to be around ( = 80%). The power input is therefore divided by the fraction (8 10). The cable efficiency is another component of electrical energy, although this is usually negligible in comparison to the overall power input required. There is an equation for this. However, (1) the report from which this was taken states that a wide range of parameters must be taken into account prior to calculation; and, (2) it gives a loss of 22W within a 140kW input power. The radius of the cable is another factor, and the voltage and current must be established. It is better to leave this prediction out of the protocol at this stage. For reference though, the equation is given below:
Finally, the power is converted to produce a cost figure. The number of kilowatts required for the pump is multiplied by the kWh price set by the electricity company in question, for each hour of abstraction (Eastern Energy, or nPower).
October to February kW hours () 0.0273 0.3306 0.0273 0.01588 0.016 Hours 07:00 16:30 16:30 18:30 18:30 19:00 19:00 07:00 Weekends (day) kW hours () 0.02235 0.1184 0.03655 0.02235 0.0249
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Eastern Energy is responsible for supplying the <100kW stations. Charge is 5.273 pence per kW hour; VAT is 17.5%.
3.3: Protocol for estimating the costs of Primrose, Elms Vale and Buckland
The general public demand for water is between 250 and 300 litres per person per day. This varies considerably throughout the day, but even this variation cannot be accurately quantified using flow archive data alone. These alone also show variations in that demand, both time-wise, and - with the local population served in each area taken into account - the amount being used per average person. There is usually a peak demand dining the morning at around 7am to 10am, a moderate demand during the afternoon, and another peak demand during the evening. This dwindles into the night, reaching a trough during the small hours. In theory, it is easy to predict the hours of abstraction to be during the small hours, and later in the day before 16:30 hours, and occasionally during the evening. To set a given group of hours during each time of the day would prove to be too idealistic. The rate at which a reservoir fills up; the variation in quantities abstracted from pumping stations within the same zone; the diversions of water in or out of the zone; and, the pressure valve involvements play a role in such a prediction. Without a model, these cannot be estimated, and neither can the optimum pumping regime.
Averaging the cost throughout the year Particularly when the station operates at over 100kW, the predicted cost is better to be based on an average, rather than on a presumed time of day. It may be that even during the expensive 1630-1830hrs time gap, the stations may have to be operating. There must be abstraction 24 hours a day to sustain reservoir levels, and it is more likely to come from stations which cost less.
Stations below 100kW The set price is 5.73 pence per kilowatt hour; with VAT added, the total cost is 6.733 pence, per kWh.
Stations above 100kW The working for these stations is provided in Figure 3.1 over-page:
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Figure 3.1: calculations of operating costs for >100kW groundwater pumping stations NB: Overall Average => ( (3.67pence x 214 days) + (2.70 pence x 171 days) ) 365 days
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The results below for connections between Elms Vale and/or Buckland to the Spine Main do not include the energy required for transfer to the Hills Reservoir. This is dealt with separately by the Elms Vale booster, which, if the Spine Main was to handle more water, would have to be upgraded to meet the energy required. As seen in Appendix 2, the Spine Main maximum pressure capacity is 160mh, so no more than 28 Ml/day can pass through. No more than 19Ml/day would pass through the Spine Main if both Buckland and Elms Vale, along with the present water diversion to the Hills Reservoir were lo be delivered. No calculation is given for Elms Vale booster as the extra water being transported has not been accurately predicted this will be determined by the final licenses granted to the new stations, plus the restrictions imposed upon those in the Upper Dour catchment area. Predicted power input requirements, and energy costs for the stations:
Route of transport Buckland to Downsgate Reservoir Buckland to Dover Intermed. Reservoir Buckland to the Spine Main Primrose to Downsgate Power required (kW) 133 92 102 113 /m3 0.01556 0.0166 0.0118 0.0296 (4 Ml/day, 24hr period) 0.0109 Annual cost () 28,400 30,300 21,600 32,220
50*
15,600
*15 hours per day
There is a correlation between the cost and the set abstraction rate throughout the day. The shorter the license lime given, and thus the greater the flow rate, the lower the cost will be as a result.
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
The age of the pump could relate to cost. According to Figure 3.5, no such correlation is apparent. Figure 3.6 shows a slightly clearer relationship between the pump cost, and the abstraction. If this to be taken seriously, the predicted cost for Buckland could be 4000; for Elms Vale at around 2500, and for Primrose at 3000. These figures are entirely based on the graph alone, and the real outcome is certainly going to differ, probably below these costs as the pumps will be brand new.
Figure 3.5: correlation between the age and the maintenance costs of groundwater pumps
Figure 3.6: correlation between the pump maintenance cost and annual groundwater abstraction
The number of pumps also relates to cost. The data in Figure 3.7 suggests that if one pump was used per station, the actual cost would amount to around 1000, in sharp contradiction to the values implied by Figure 3.6.
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Figure 3.7: correlation between the number of pumps per station, and pump maintenance costs
One parameter with which some correlation could be made against the electrical cost is the age of the station. It is probable that older installations will require more repairs, but, as seen with the age of the pumps, this is not strictly the case. Nevertheless, Figure 3.8 shows that from starting out to around 20 years of age, the station electrical maintenance costs soar from around 1000 to 2500; with increasing age, the costs level off:
Figure 3.8: correlation between the age of the groundwater pumping station, and electrical maintenance cost
In conclusion, immediate pumping costs for Buckland and Elms Vale may occur at 4000 and 2500 per annum respectively, and their electrical maintenance costs should probably not exceed 1000. Primrose pumping maintenance costs well exceed 5000 at present, with electrical costs of 6000. Both may be expected to rise with increased abstraction.
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between that of the chlorine tanks (set at around 1 Bar), and the pressurised water passing out of the bore hole. The switch-over facility consists of pipes connected to the tanks, which are set below atmospheric pressure, and automatically shut off the empty chlorine tank once the pressure therein reaches atmospheric pressure. There are no chlorinating banks into which water can pass (and trickle slowly out the other end as the chlorine disinfects the water, before being dissipated). There is not enough time for this process. Instead, the chlorine gas is injected at a minimum (residual) level of 0.031 mg per litre of water. This is carried out under the assumption that the chlorine "taste" in the water will have winnowed away before it reaches the customer. Operational costs Portacell Ltd supply the meters and validation equipment. These are run constantly at around 500W, even with the pumping and chlorinating equipment on standby. The pumping device particularly for the large abstraction of a possible 9 Ml/day at Buckland is likely to run at around 2.5kW during pumping. The normal layout comprises the injection and pump facilities, plus 2 meters, for double validation. This may be enhanced to include a third meter, allowing for triple validation with the new sources. It is anticipated therefore that, altogether, the entire chlorinating facility will require a power input of (2.5 kW + [3 x 500 W]), or 4 kW during abstraction. During stand-by, this will reduce to 1.5 kW. The calculation will therefore take into account of the average output per day throughout the year, and the maximum output for which the pump has been chosen. For example, with Buckland producing 5 Ml/day, but with its 24-hour output set to 9Ml/day, the calculation will be based on the station operating during an average fraction of the day as five ninths ([5 Ml/day 9 Ml/day] x 24 hours), and 4 ninths of the day when only the meters are operating. All this is shown in detail in Appendix 3. The levels of chlorine injection anticipated cannot be fully addressed until all water quality testing at the new sites (towards the autumn) give a clear indication on how much chlorine is needed. For Primrose, the present injection is around 50 mg/L. For Dover Priory (nearer to Elms Vale), the injection is set at around 35 mg/L. The assumption undertaken in the calculations is that 50 mg/L is applied to the VI:IKT at Primrose and Buckland. For Elms Vale, being adjacent to farmland, a contingency value of an extra 5 mg/L will be added to 35 mg/L.. The outcome in reality may be different in the end though, so these calculations altogether will have a contingency of +10% added on. The chlorinating treatment maintenance costs The maintenance costs comprise both the repairs of the instrumentation, and the periodic replacement of the chlorine tanks. Appendix 3 also has a calculation of how many tanks are required each year for each new groundwater pumping station.
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
Chlorine tanks (supplied by Rhodia Eco Services Ltd) contain almost precisely 33kg of liquefied chlorine gas. Upon reaching atmospheric pressure (at which the release of chlorine is automatically controlled), the remaining chlorine gas is negligible. Each tank costs 28.00. Added onto these costs are repairs. Figure 4.1 shows total chlorinating treatment maintenance costs against the amount being injected into the water. This may not be relevant for predicting what total costs may arise with the new stations. The age of the chlorinating equipment may have been a preferable scale to measure against. (This chlorinating information was not obtainable.) If Figure 4.1 is approximately correct, the maintenance costs of chlorinating treatment at Buckland and Primrose may be around 3000 to 3500, and that at Elms Vale may be around 2000.
In reality, the repairs required are difficult to predict as a whole. Equipment malfunction or failure may or may not occur from time to time at the new stations, particularly when they have just been installed. The predicted figures may be referred to as an assumption. Other factors include the age of the chlorinating treatment facilities, the transport and petrol costs, the craftsmen's' wages, and additional fittings.
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4.3: UV treatment
The UV treatment facility (illustrated in Figure 4.2) comprises one or two chambers through which water passes. These cylindrical chambers support one or more ultraviolet lightemitting lamps, which are set to emit the energy equivalent of 25mJ of power per square centimetre of chamber wall. Their maintenance is more complicated in comparison to chlorinating water treatment. The measurement taken (in terms of estimating the water quality and UV output) is proportional to three parameters: contact time of the UV light against the chamber wall; the UV dose; and, the UV fluence.
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The lamps themselves do not vary by length, although their power input does. They are housed in cork sleeves, which are separately replaced. The UV monitor on the outer wall of the chamber sends signals to the smartbox, which is registered to compare the recorded radiation against the maximum output possible from the lamp. The smanbox interacts both with the monitors, and the inlet valves. The lamps emit a set power (kW) at different stages in their lifetime. This is due to the UV intensity gradually dropping throughout that time, with the power input being stepped up in order to compensate for the radiation decrease. There are 3 step-up stages: the lamps begin at 52% of their full power capacity, then are raised to 68%, then 84%, and finally are set at 100%. Because of this, the power value of the lamp must be averaged to take this into account. During stand-by, the UV treatment will also stop. An automatic wipe-up facility is also included, particularly since the UV monitoring can be affected by chemical impurities in the water, leading to precipitation on the chamber walls by Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn compounds.
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In total, the yearly Consumable Items Cost is rated at around 667. This applies for a single operating chamber hosting 1 lamp. In addition to the Consumable Items Costs, there will be transport costs, craftsmen's' wages and FDWS van supply costs. Since only three stations house UV instruments, the total maintenance costs are not only difficult to predict, but the background data is very limited. Drellingore and Connaught are broadly similar, but contain double-chambered versions. Ottinge appears not to have undergone much in the way of repairs. It would be unreasonable to make a guess at the total annual maintenance costs with the current data available. In conclusion, costs during the years when only the lamp and wiper service need replacing, would amount to around 600 in terms of materials. With transport and craftsmen's' costs included, up to 800 is a possibility. The maximum cost for all materials is 965; total costs here may approach 1800. For repairs, the costs could range between 500 and 2000.
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Figure 5.1: groundwater abstraction and natural regeneration rates under the River Dour basin (NB: limited project time and faulty equipment resulted in this poorly printed, scanned image)
Mott MacDonald's hydro-geological modelling software was designed to predict the impact of varying abstraction in the catchment area, on the flow of the Dour. The main conclusion drawn from his study, is the suggestion that seasonal reductions of abstraction from Drellingore and Lower Standen stations of a combined 7000 cubic metres per day. The increased abstraction within Dover will not have the detrimental effects on the River Dour, and these are viewed in his report to be compensation, rather than a gain in the companies' supply. This approach makes the intended gain of 5 Ml/day for FDWS harder to achieve.
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The River Dour is a unique hydrological feature: whereas nearly all water within the Chalk stays underground, with the exception of prolonged rainfall (producing winterbournes), the River Dour has a more consistent surface run-off. It is a result of the incision of the Chalk geology by glacial run-off during the Ice Ages, where the valleys penetrate the potentiometric surface (surface of the groundwater). The drying up of the River Dour is not a recent phenomenon though. This has always occurred periodically. 10 varying extent along the course of the river. Particularly in the upper valleys (the Alkham and Lydden valleys), the only significant surface run-off occurs during the winter, or during years of exceptionally high rainfall. One consideration upon which the model used was based, was an average ideal flow for the River Dour (natural flow). The aimed optimum flow passing the Grabble Mill is based at 0.1 cubic metres passing each second. Presently, Stonehall Pumping station must augment the Dour, should the levels passing Grabble Mill fall short of 9 Ml/day. The augmentation required reached levels of over 1.5 Ml/day in order to compensate lower flow, highlighting the environmental impact of abstraction, in combination with climate. The hydro-geology of the chalk itself involves rapid transmissivity, in that the movement of water within the rock is rapid. This implies two possibilities. Recharge, although (in terms of borehole drawdown) is stated to be gradual, will continue, regardless of abstraction. On the other hand, the suction of water from the surrounding chalk into the submersible pumps installed around the upper Dour catchment is equally fast, and draw-downs of around 20 to 30 metres at the Lye Oak and Drellingore bore holes is documented. Fissures within the chalk may also allow the pumping process to generate widespread depletion: it is said that the Lye Oak station influences the level of the Kearnsey Manor Lake. Since 1931, its abstraction has been correlated with decreased intermittent surface run-off within the Alkham Valley. Not only is the upper Dour catchment an issue though. Downstream of the former Grabble Mill, decreases in river flow have been recorded, and linked to previous abstraction at the former Buckland Paper Mill. This is a consideration to be made when pumping tests commence at Buckland in September. Despite the evidence pointing to abstraction issued by FDWS contributing to the periodic drying up of the River Dour, background information needed to clarify these claims, such as rainfall, fluvial output and groundwater levels, are limited. MacDonald's model however takes into account a wide range of geophysical, hydrological and bore hole data, and should be taken seriously. An important feature of the River Dour, is the source of the water itself. 98% of the water passing into each section of the stream is immediately derived from within the ground, as opposed to having been transported downstream. This implies (i) any abstraction proximate to the river is likely to impact the Dour (as suggested with the activities of Buckland Paper Mill); and, (ii) that the drying up of the river will be exacerbated by abstraction from the upper catchment, which intrudes with the source of grounds after recharge. This is why, despite the former Buckland Paper Mill having a license of 14 Ml/day abstraction. FDWS will not be given such an allowance. 6 Ml/day on average is probably the most that can be
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expected there. The target flows for the Grabble Mill site are difficult to achieve without significant re-arrangements being made to the pumping network. 1990, 1996 and 1997 were years in which the river flow rate fell short of the 0.1 m3/s-1 threshold.
Review of possible remedial options The report provides possible remedial options, in light of, with the use of the model, a significant improvement in river flow expected with an equally significant cutback in the Lye Oak and Drellingore abstraction. It is also stated that a more moderate cutback at either of these stations (e.g. 2Ml/day) will not generate nearly as much improvement. Thirdly, the model was used to predict that, with cessation of Lye Oak, the Dour would flow through the whole valley, but with limited output in the upper reaches. This would relate to a cut-back in abstraction of between 3000 and 4000 cubic metres per day. What the report did not take into account though, is the reduced activity at Lye Oak, due to the refurbishments of the cryptosporidium treatment plant therein. Stonehall and Lower Sianden have been run at full capacity throughout the last three years as a result. Furthermore, a more precise suggestion needs to be proposed, rather than simply a seasonal reduction in abstraction around the Upper Dour catchment. 7000 Ml/day cutback may entail around 4000 Ml/day cutback throughout the year on average, but this, like many considerations in this report, is but an assumption.
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
Figure 5.2: predicted balance of supply and demand for water in the FDWS districts under different climatic conditions Table 5.1: water supply and demand in the FDWS districts (2000 figures)
Dover as an abstraction source is vital for areas such as Folkestone and Denge. The water quality problems amongst intensive agriculture around the Romney marsh, and the poorer water quality within the Greensand beneath Folkestone, limit the opportunities for further groundwater resource development there. Figure 5.3 shows that at present, the potential full abstraction is not being met, and there are a number of stations which either operate at limited capacity, or are inactive. The most questionable aspects of this developing deficit centre on the fact that several stations owned by Folkestone and Dover Water Services do not operate at their fullauthorised capacity. Only in ideal circumstances can all the stations supply the maximum amount - water quality deterioration, mechanical faults and local environmental hazards blight each pumping station's performance. In some cases the problem may completely halt production.
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Figure 5.3: proportion of groundwater output in licensed limits: dark bands indicate the licence levels; light grey bands indicate quantities used (2000 data)
Serious issues such as water quality matter to Ottinge, Denge and Poulton stations. Ottinge, in being proximate to a sewage treatment plant, had to be immediately closed off in the recent event of pollution from the plant which, if drawdown continued, would have percolated into the groundwater. Nevertheless, it is expected that the water quality improvement will resolve this matter within the next few months at most. The water quality problems affecting Denge are a geological consequence The Dungeness shingle, in contrast to the chalk, is far less absorbing in thai it does not behave as a natural filter, and is less effective in removing pathogenic and chemical pollutants. Some wells at Denge have been inactive for many years. The algal bloom, which occurred at the beginning of this month (July 2001), indicates just how vulnerable this region is. Stonehall is situated near a lake in the Alkham Valley. Prolonged abstraction from this well has been known 10 induce The drying up of the lake, particularly during the summer months. Although it is not out of use however, Stonehall station is only used to supplement the river feeding into the lake. Poulton station has experienced regular turbidity problems as recently, and generally remains out of use as tins problem originates from underground, and so cannot be eliminated using surface treatment. In general, Poulton and Stonehall cannot be fully abstracted for distribution purposes
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neither at present, nor in the near future. Denge is sustainable, albeit problematic. Ottinge will re-commence within the next year. In addition, Lye Oak pumping station is having a pesticide treatment complex installed, although it will also recommence shortly. In all, the amount of water supplied per day from those stations, which may not become readily obtainable, will amount to around 10Ml/day. The remaining circa 27 Ml/day which could be added is less accounted for. In particular, Seabrook, Bluehouse, Connaught and Saltwood could be run at a greater capacity, generating amongst them over 11 Ml/day. With St. Margarets to run at full capacity, and Lye Oak to be started up again soon, the total rebound in supply gener.ued could eclipse the extra supply from Primrose, Buckland and Elms Vale. Nevertheless, it is not that simple. The costs per cubic metre must be considered, and the network has to be reviewed prior to making such a conclusion. This was where the pumping regime network modelling predictions would have helped.
Figure 5.4: annual electrical costs of the groundwater pumping stations (1, 2, 3 = 1999, 2000, 2001)
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Figure 5.6 is taken from the 5M logging records throughout June as tabulated on the MC 2000 Records Program. The period of time represented here is not sufficient enough to reflect the transition in all four parameters throughout the year (particularly during winter when public demand is much lower). Nevertheless, there are still enough indicators that stall any correlation between those, and the eventual charges imposed.
Figure 5.6: groundwater levels (red line), flow rate (blue line) and head pressure (yellow line) at three existing groundwater pumping stations (year 2000 data)
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The metrics of head pressure is not proportional to the power input costs to the station; what must be taken into consideration here is that the pressure, despite varying groundwater levels throughout the year, will not change significantly, especially when the reservoir is situated at a much greater altitude. The pressure required will obviously relate to the kW ratings of the pumps used. The flow rate, although not given for Kingsdown, appears to reflect the power consumption more accurately, but this is an obvious and expected trend- The groundwater levels are therefore an important issue in terms of the station costs, both in terms of depth, and the extent of drawdown, which can vary through the seasons. Similar trends were analysed with other stations within the vicinity of Dover, in the Downsgate Urban, Dover Intermediate, Chalksole and Hills Reservoir Zones. The station costs vary erratically throughout the months, but this variation only extends across a few peonies to the cubic metre raised. Chapter 3 dealt with the winter and summer charge costs. Any trend in station costs is further obscured by the fact that, despite the likelihood that higher groundwater levels in winter result in less energy being expended in the abstraction process, the electricity companies respond by raising the abstraction cost during this time of year (summer 2001). The print outs in Appendix 4 which correlate the costs per cubic metre raised, with the amount of abstraction - do not give a clear hint that the costs are based on the change in groundwater levels. If this was the case, the abstraction costs around the upper Dour would generally be much greater, as the groundwater depth is greater around the plateau, than above the Dour valley. However, in theory this should be the case. The pumping regime that is practised and which varies from month to month will obscure what patterns exist for the resulting costs of the stations. These will relate to the change and practise in pumping regime more closely than any physical and energy-based factors. Appendix 3 gives the data for Lower Standen. This did not contain the costs per cubic metre raised.
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Without a pumping regime model, any proposals for where to send the water cannot be accurately founded. Reducing the output within the Chalksole Zone sources The three stations here are Lye Oak, Stonehall and Broome. The first two have been associated with intermittent flows in the River Dour. Lye Oak, once operational, can extract within the 6Ml/day range (abstraction charts) on average. As displayed on the water company network diagram (at the FDWS reception area), this - along with Broome and Stonehall - is more than sufficient for the local population. 9.5Ml/day would pass to the Hills Reservoir. With the Environment Agency probably suggesting an annual reduction of possibly 5Ml/day from among the Upper Dour Sources, this may not present too serious a problem once the new sources commence abtraction. As mentioned during the introduction, the aim is to increase daily abstraction throughout the region by 5Ml/day, in order to cover over 'he headroom supply, in preparation for predicted population increase. Within the Dover area alone, to use the new sources to their full capacity, whilst reducing abstraction in the upper Dour by 4Ml/day, would produce a net gain of 5.8Ml/day. The combined output from Primrose addition, Buckland and Elms Vale amounts to around 9.8Ml/day on average. With Holmestone included, a further 2.3Ml/day being added, the amount reduced around the upper Dour can be raised further. If water from Holmestone were to be diverted into the Spine Main, the increased output from Primrose would be required to compensate for lost production therefrom. The 1.8Ml/day increase would probably be a satisfactory replenishment, instead of the intermittent 1Ml/day input from Holmestone at present. As water is diverted from Downsgate to Dover Intermediate reservoir, and farther transported to the Hills Reservoir presently, this should not be problematic. The most important issue is the reduced output in the Chalksole Zone. The license restriction, if it were to come into effect prior to Lye Oak re-opening, would have to be restricted to Drellingore, Lower Standen and Broome. At most, the Stonehall output could be reduced significantly, with the Broome output of 5 Mi/day sustaining local demand.
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
As well as carefully addressing the pumping regime, other recommendations include the reintroduction of Holmestone to the network, with a new pipeline leading to the Buckland pipeline going to the Spine Main. Secondly, an exact figure for how much cut-back around the Upper Dour is required, needs to be produced in order for a more informed decision on where to send the new source water, and how much is required in which districts. Finally, as a suggestion, money can be saved or the heating and electrical costs of the new stations if the heating facilities for the chlorinating instruments are replaced with an on-situ heating device which is attached lo the apparatus, instead of an external source, whereby heat and energy efficiency, is lost. This may save hundreds of pounds each year, and should be applied at Primrose, Buckland and Elms Vale, if not elsewhere.
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Caprari, 2001. Electric submersible pumps and vertical lineshaft pumps. Chadwick, A; Morfett, J, 1993. Hydraulics in civil and environmental engineering (2nd ed). Chapman & Hall, London Douglas, J.F., 1971. Solutions of problems in fluid mechanics Part I. FDWS, 2000. Annual water resources plan review (September 2000). FDWS, 2000. FDWS Downhole inspection report: Elms Vale Laundry borehole. FDWS, 2000. FDWS final (RSU) mains laying unit costs. AMP 3 infrastructure unit costs. FDWS, 2000. Particular rules of measurement and schedule of work for schedule D: dayworks and emergency works. Mott MacDonald, 2000. Final report: River Dour catchment study. Environment Agency. Vivendi Water Partnership Water Resources Dept, 2001. Buckland Paper Mill Pumping Test (January 2001).
Details concerning the maintenance and operations costs of the UV treatment plants were collected during a visit by Peter Harris (Municipal Sales Manager of Hanovia Ltd). Instrumentation power ratings for chlorine treatment were discussed by Russell Morgan (Portacell) over the telephone. Nick Thomson (Rhodia Eco Services Ltd) provided values for the quantities of chlorine supplied in each tank, in terms of supply and pressure values. Proposed abtraction rates and potential stations for licence reduction were also discussed with Lucy Lytton at Vivendi Water Partnerships offices in Watford.
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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Issues concerning the new abstraction sites at Buckland, Primrose and Elms Vale
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